A kombi driver has been jailed for two years after a passenger hanging onto the rear bumper of his moving commuter omnibus fell onto the road and died five days later.
Nyasha Muteweye, 33, was convicted of culpable homicide by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court over the accident that occurred on 5 February 2026.
The court heard that Muteweye was driving a Toyota Hiace along Simon Mazorodze Road towards Waterfalls shortly after midnight when he allowed a passenger to cling to the rear bumper.
As the vehicle approached Chinzou Roundabout, Muteweye allegedly lost control while speeding and negotiating a curve. The kombi swerved, causing the passenger to lose grip and fall onto the road.
The victim was rushed to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital but died on 10 February despite receiving treatment.
Prosecutors said Muteweye acted negligently by permitting unsafe passenger behaviour and failing to maintain control of the vehicle.
“The court found that Muteweye acted negligently by allowing unsafe passenger behaviour, failing to maintain proper control of the vehicle and speeding under the circumstances,” the magistrate said during sentencing.
In addition to the two year prison term, Muteweye was barred from driving Class 2 vehicles for two years and had his driver’s licence cancelled.
The case comes amid growing concern over dangerous practices involving kombi crews and passengers hanging from moving vehicles.
In a separate incident, a Bindura kombi driver was arrested after a tout allegedly fell from the rear bumper of a moving kombi on 31 December 2025.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Fedelis Dhewu warned against the practice.
“We are warning touts to desist from hanging at the back of vehicles in motion and drivers should be extra careful when driving because we do not want to lose precious life unnecessarily,” Dhewu said.
Authorities continue urging kombi operators, crews and passengers to avoid risky behaviour as road safety concerns persist across the country.
